The 9513 - Country Music Blog

• BMI will honor Kris Kristofferson as a music icon during its awards show in November.

• New releases for the week of June 30, 2009 include:

  • Brad Paisley – American Saturday Night
    Amazon | iTunes [Bonus: "Then (Single Edit)"] | MySpace

  • Brandon Rickman – Young Man, Old Soul
    Amazon | iTunes | MySpace

  • Cledus T. Judd – Polyrically Uncorrect
    Amazon | iTunes | MySpace

  • Levon Helm – Electric Dirt
    Amazon | iTunes

  • Queens of Country (DVD)
    Amazon

  • The Sweetback Sisters – Chicken Ain’t Chicken
    Amazon | iTunes | MySpace

  • Tanya Tucker – My Turn
    Amazon | iTunes

• Dierks Bentley scored his second consecutive number one and seventh overall on Billboard’s Country Singles Chart with “Sideways.”
• In a Q&A with Craig Shelburne, Tanya Tucker talked about the appeal of singing men’s songs and how she prepared for her new album.
• Alan Jackson is selling his six bedroom, 19,000 square-feet Sweetbriar property for a cool $38,000,000.
• SHeDaisy lead singer Kassidy Osborn and Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley were both recently married, but not to each other.
• The problem with the covers on Levon Helm’s new album Electric Dirt is that they all pale in comparison to the originals, but Austin Music Source’s Michael Corcoran says two original tunes, “Growing Trade” and “When I Go Away,” save the record.
• But wait, Steve Morse says it’s the covers that shine.
• Check out Joe Ely’s collection of signs from homeless people, the first of which he bought in the mid-70s for five dollars.
• New label Stoney Creek Records signed Ash Bowers (MySpace).
• Country Universe: Who are the icons in country music that could command the same attention as Wynette and Cash, or perhaps even Jackson, when their road comes to an end?
• Rhapsody released an exclusive live version of Taylor Swift covering Tom Petty’s “American Girl.”
• The Tennessean’s Cindy Watts has an interview with Brad Paisley and Chris DuBois about the process behind, and inspiration for, Paisley’s new album, American Saturday Night.
  

  “You’re going to get to know more of Brad Paisley,” he says. “He explores lyrically, sonically and musically different areas than we’ve had in the past, and I think it’s a complete album. It’s a musical journey where there’s a beginning a middle and an end. You just feel that.”

• USA Today’s Brian Mansfield echoes the notion that American Saturday Night is a complete album: “…is the first to feel like a full set of songs instead of some radio hits, guitar instrumentals, gospel songs and comedy bits crammed together.”
• Ricky Skaggs credits photography and other creative endeavors with making him a better musician. He’ll headline the second installment of this year’s Bluegrass Nights At The Ryman series with his band Kentucky Thunder on July 2.
• The new blog Allen’s Archive kicked off with seven volumes of vinyl rips from Bradley Kincaid, who you might remember from Paul’s Forgotten Artists feature last August.
• Update: Today is the last day to enter for the Keith Urban/KC Masterpiece/Kingsford giveaway.

New Warner artist Jason Jones debuts with “Unlikely Angel,” a song about the redemptive power of a selfless and strong-loving woman. Jones’ voice is the highlight here, pristine and crisp and underscored by a subtle twang that quivers just slightly in all the right places.

In presentation and character, Jones sounds like a somewhat more refined Gary LeVox, although when his tenor soars it reminds of Bryan White. That may not sound like a potent concoction, but it results in a surprisingly satisfying sound–one that sets Jones as a contrast to the format’s gluttony of soul-heavy, gravely voices.

The song itself is concise, a heartfelt tribute from an “undeserving man.” But the lyric is so straightforward that it wears thin after the first listen, the ultimate payoff settling for nothing more than the description of the subject as defined by the title. And although it is indeed touching to identify a lover as an unlikely angel, the fact that this lacks both a unique observation on the given relationship and a memorable hook keeps us from coming back for more.

It’s especially disappointing that the song fails to deliver any insight into who this unlikely angel is, or into what she does that frees the singer “from the Devil’s hold” (other than “sacrificing all she can”). We know nothing about either of these people beyond the story’s very generic outlining of a bad boy who is “saved” by a physically small good-girl with a big heart.

The less specific a song’s lyric are, and the less engaging its story, the more hooky it must be both lyrically and musically. This is weak on all related fronts.

And at times what is otherwise a paltry but serviceable lyric totally slips and retreats into pure cliché. With lines that refer to “deepest darkest places” and love being a dream, “Unlikely Angel” is seriously toothless. Although the narrator may have been saved, by the time Jones sings, “She freed me from the Devil’s hold/And poured herself into my wounded soul,” the song is beyond repent.

Jones has a unique sound that will play well on radio, and “Unlikely Angel’s” mid-tempo groove is a breezy respite from summer playlists blistering with high-powered tempo.

At the end of the day, though, it’s a below average song that will be forgotten quickly–even if it is, as I suspect it will be, successful in launching Jones’ career.

Listen: Jason Jones – “Unlikely Angel”

• Ray Price is currently recovering from his surgery on June 23rd to remove precancerous polyps from his colon.
• In this week’s Quotable Country, C.M. Wilcox highlighted the following exchange between Bryan Adams and Jason Adlean from their recent CMT Crossroads episode:
  

  Bryan Adams: You guys are a full-on rock band. There’s nothing country about what’s going on onstage. The only thing country is maybe the song titles: “Johnny Cash,” “She’s Country.”
  Jason Aldean: Well, I think the fact that I wear a cowboy hat probably helps us get away with it.

• The New York Times has album reviews of Brad Paisley’s American Saturday Night and Levon Helms‘ Electric Dirt, courtesy of Ben Ratliff and Jon Pareles. Both albums are due out tomorrow (June 30).
• Amazon has the exclusive premier of Luke Bryan’s video for “Do I.” After watching it twice, I’m still not sure I understand exactly what’s going on. (via Country Music Tattle Tale)
• Hazel Smith thinks Sunny Sweeney (MySpace) is Americana and namechecked Ashley Ray (MySpace) in an article about blondes.
• An uncredited article on American Country Countdown attempted to draw parallels between Michael Jackson and Hank Williams…
• Ray Stevens told The Tennessean’s Cindy Watts that these days he can be found filming We Ain’t Dead Yet, a sitcom set in a retirement home for entertainers, which he described as “Hee Haw with a plot.
• Bluegrass pioneer Bill Harrell, who contributed greatly to the growth of bluegrass in the Washington, D.C. area, passed away last week. His funeral is being held today.
• Kyle McCraw commented on the new self-titled Larry Jon Wilson album for Country Music Pride.
• Deborah Evans Price notes that Tracy Lawrence’s new album, The Rock, is his first Christian album and reflects the latest chapter in his life.
• Curb Records announced that they’ll ship “It’s A Business Doing Pleasure With You,” a new Tim McGraw single, to radio on Tuesday. His new album, rumored to be titled Southern Voice, is expected to be released before Christmas, but don’t hold your breath. It’s been delayed several times already, which has caused McGraw to express frustration in the past. The first time I heard the actual song “Southern Voice” was in late ‘07 at the first and only Big State Festival. The album was supposed to be released soon after that, but here we are, almost two years later and the release date still in speculation. (via NashvilleGab)
• Chris Neal reviewed albums from Charlie Robison, Elvis Costello and Ray Charles with ratings ranging from three-and-a-half to five stars.
• McCoury Music Club is now offering live show downloads from The Del McCoury Band to non-subscribers. Prices range from $10-$15. (via The Bluegrass Blog)

Is Jamey Johnson still alive?
Didn’t he die on the cross for our sins? Oh right, that was Jesus. I get them confused sometimes. — CMW

Jamey Johnson lives forever in the children’s eyes. — Jim

More so than his brand of country music. — Karlie

What does the AP style guide say about alright?
It’s algood. — Andrew Lacy

Is Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton still together?
Yes, it is not broken. — Jim

How old do you have to be to be on Can You Duet?
At least as old as Naomi Judd’s current pair of false eyelashes — Kelly

What is country music known for?
According to CMT, it’s the B-52’s, Bryan Adams and Def Leppard. — Ken

For being so rock — Kelly

Its frequent appearances after “except” in the sentence “I like all kinds of music…” — CMW

Where do county music listeners live?
In a minivan down by the river. — Andrew Lacy

An idyllic dream world. — Jim

What do country music listener’s expect from a song?
Life affirming stories about small town folks overcoming their mama’s alcoholism by meeting a soldier at church who gives kindly advice by telling a story about lost love at the county fair while sitting on the tailgate of his old pickup and wearing boots and a Johnny Cash t-shirt. (That’s 12/18 on the Farce the Music checklist for those keeping score.) — Andrew Lacy

Unrelenting optimism with a dash of twang. — CMW

…But not too much twang. — Jim

What is the song that Kristian Bush sings alone?
“The Unemployment Line Blues.” — Kelly

Does Taylor Swift sound off pitch?
Did Grizzly Adams have a beard? — Andrew Lacy

Do the tears of Chuck Norris cure cancer? — Jim

Why did Tim McGraw not join the Grand Ole Opry?
Seeing as how Tim is a staunch traditionalist, the recent inductions of Carrie Underwood and Craig Morgan have made him angr–wow, I cant get that out with a straight face. – Kelly

Despite the recent contemporary inductions, the Opry is still a traditional institution and they’re just not quite ready to induct a eunch, considering Faith Hill has half his manhood and Mike Curb the other half. — Brady

Which country star sings sideways?
Lefty Frizzell and Righty McGee. — CMW

How much do country singers pay for songs?
Judging by most of what’s played on radio today, only their souls. — Kelly

Judging by most of what’s played on radio today, way too much. — Jim

What is Todd Snider really like?
I hear that the whole lovable, rambling, peace-loving hippie thing is all a put-on and he’s actually a conniving investment banker from Brooklyn. — CMW

Commie! — Jim

How to feel about sex and power in music videos?
If I tell you how to feel, that will raise a whole other set of sex and power issues. — CMW

I feel good about sex in music videos. Power could also be good, depending on how it is wielded. — Jim

Did George Strait ever serve time in jail?
I think so. He covers “Folsom Prison Blues” in concert and doesn’t seem like a guy who would lie to his fans. — CMW

What is “Out Last Night” about?
Three minutes too long. — Ken

It’s an exploration of the existential quandary presented by the juxtaposition of the innate desire to maximize personal pleasure and moral responsibility. — Jim

Who sings backup on “Loretta Lynn’s Lincoln” with Josh Turner?
Conway Twitty’s El Camino – Andrew Lacy

Who sings “Don’t Make Me Take My Earrings Out?”
Perez Hilton. — Andrew Lacy

Keith Anderson. — Jim

What is the meaning of “Alright” by Darius Rucker?
It’s a celebration of mediocrity, both thematically and musically. — Karlie

Who is Bruce Robison Canadian Healthcare?
Wayne Gretzky. – Jim

Country singers tour them, name check them and hail from them. But which of the fifty states that make up the USA can lay claim to the “most country” of them all?

Over at the Country Standard Time, writer Mike Sudhalter has been counting down a list of the top states for country music. Last week, he announced the top ten: 10. Pennsylvania, 9. Mississippi, 8. Arkansas, 7. Missouri, 6. West Virginia, 5. Georgia, 4. Kentucky, 3. Oklahoma, 2. Tennessee and 1. Texas. You can also check out his top 11-20 and top 21-30.

The top two states are expected, but perhaps not in the order Sudhalter places them:

2.Tennessee Nashville is the center of commercial country music, and also the place where the Country Music Hall of Fame, Lower Broadway with all of its famous honky-tonks, the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium are located. The eastern half of the state – home to Dolly Parton – has Dollywood and Pigeon Forge. The Volunteer State makes an extremely strong case for the No. 1 overall state, BUT

1.Texas While country music may be a business in Tennessee, it’s a way of life in Texas. There are no other places with as many country music concerts, nightclubs, small town Opry shows and legends (George Strait, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Bob Wills). And it’s also the only state to have an independent country scene apart from Nashville. Texas Country, in some circles, is more popular than the mainstream country. It has cultivated its own history and heroes (Robert Earl Keen, Jerry Jeff Walker).

Do you agree with Sudhalter’s rankings and reasoning? Would Texas rank on the top of your list for similar reasons, would Tennessee take the top spot or would there be a dark horse?

And while you’re at it, what’s your favorite “state song”? “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “There Is No Arizona”? Let us know.

#5 — Tim Krekel:

The week will be remembered by most for the passing of Farrah Fawcett and the King of Pop, but country music lost one of its most talented on Wednesday.

Krekel’s songs were recorded by numerous artists that included Rick Nelson and Canned Heat. Crystal Gayle had a hit with his song “Turning Away” and Patty Loveless with “You Can Feel Bad.” (Reuters)

“You Can Feel Bad” is one of my favorite Loveless songs, and a prime example of how mainstream country music can be catchy and smart at the same time. Once a guitarist for Jimmy Buffet, Krekel also penned songs recorded by Alan Jackson and Martina McBride, as well as “Cold Grey Kentucky Morning,” one of the few Aaron Tippin tracks I can stomach.

He will be missed.

#4 — Chambers and Nicholson Earn Rave Reviews:

Reviews from Kasey and Shane’s two sets in Austin on Monday night were brimming with praise.

For 90 minutes the stage dripped with humor and charm. Kasey’s vocals of angelic fire were just right all night and when she blended with Nicholson’s voice, a slightly raspier James Taylor, one “One More Year” the mix was perfect and powerful. (Michael Corcoran, Austin 360)

Towards the end they stomped through “Last Hard Bible,” evoking Ralph Stanley’s mountain music, final proof of their affection for American music that left them, and the sold-out crowd, nearly breathless. I’ve spent many nights at the Cactus (Austin), and Monday’s show was one of the venue’s most engaging. (Jim Caligiuri, Austin Chronicle)

I had the pleasure of catching their first U.S. show in Nashville at the Belcourt in Nashville during CMA Fest, and I can only echo everything Corcoran and Caligiuri wrote. The husband and wife duo–joined for most of the set by Kasey’s father, Bill–were equally charming, funny and powerful as they worked their way through various incarnations of roots, Americana and traditional country. Chambers, who drank at least two glasses of scotch during the show, has one of those rare voices that sounds better live than recorded, the emotional resilience of her delivery not fully captured by tape. Her performance of “Wildflower,” especially, was one of the most moving I have ever heard.

#3 — Julianne Hough Gets Footloose (Maybe):

After quitting Dancing With The Stars to focus on her music, Hough further continues proving that she’s a singer first and a dancer second by reportedly accepting the role as Ariel Moore in a 2010 remake of Footloose, a movie about, well, dancing.

Variety reports that Julianne’s first major film role is still “contingent on working out scheduling,” but shooting is set to begin in March 2010. Variety also says fans of the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon can expect “a more mature version than the original.” (The Boot)

After that news broke, however, the NY Post cited “insider” sources when it claimed that Hough’s casting was far from a done deal.

She can dance, she can sing — but Julianne Hough apparently can’t act. Paramount had wanted to cast the “Dancing With the Stars” hoofer, who’s also topped the country charts with her hit, “My Hallelujah Song,” in its remake of “Footloose.” But her audition “was so bad, the producers sent her off to take acting classes,” our insider said. “She’s scheduled for another screen test Aug. 1. They definitely like her, but the producers know they need a real actress for the movie to work — she’s a pretty girl who can sing and dance, but so was Mariah Carey, and we all know how ‘Glitter’ turned out.” Reps for Hough and Paramount didn’t return detailed calls. (Post)

All kidding aside, casting Hough as Moore would make perfect sense for everyone involved. Hough would get ample screen-time to further build on her budding starlet image, and the film gets a fantastically talented dancer. Besides, anyone who thinks this needs “a real actress” to succeed probably hasn’t paid much attention to the acting chops deomonstrated by the cast of the original.

#2 — Jason Aldean’s Big Week:

Jason Aldean is slowly emerging as one of country music’s biggest stars.

After only 10 weeks, Wide Open has achieved sales of more than 500,000 units. Jason took 12 weeks to reach that mark with his previous two albums, his self-titled debut and Relentless. Wide Open has produced the No. 1 single “She’s Country” and the current hit, “Big Green Tractor,” which has become the fastest-rising record of Jason’s career. (Country Weekly)

Aldean has already racked up six Top 10 singles (Only “Relentless” missed that mark, peaking at #15), and his current hit “Big Green Tractor” will likely become his second consecutive #1 (third overall).

Cricket, co-host of Froggy 97’s (Watertown, NY) morning show, is smitten:

When I think about newer country artists who’ve come on the scene in the past five years or so, I ponder which of them will still be cranking out hits ten years from now. Who will become a household name? Who is destined for the Country Music Hall of Fame? Which newcomers will collect honors and awards galore? If there’s any justice in the music biz, Jason Aldean will be one of them.

I think cricket needs to drink less swamp water. Many artists rack up a strong series of hits out of the box, only to experience faltering popularity not long after. The artists who are able to maintain their success and build sustainable careers are those who consistently write and choose outstanding and memorable songs that keep them on the air even during their downtime. They are also, generally speaking, the artists who (for whatever reason) are wholly unique and instantly recognizable.

The biggest male stars of the 90s–Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks and George Strait–remain relevant today partially because their early music remains relevant (with the possible exception being McGraw, who didn’t hit an artistic stride until his 3rd or 4th record). Do songs like “Hicktown,” “Johnny Cash” and “She’s Country” meet that benchmark?

Aldean’s Crossroads special (with Bryan Adams) debuts tonight on CMT, and there’s no denying that he has the attention of much of country music’s audience. But I strongly doubt he will be remembered “ten years from now.”

Cricket’s comments just illustrate the vast disconnect between radio and reality. Destined for the Country Music Hall of Fame? Not until the Hall lowers its standards, or Aldean seriously elevates his game.

#1 — Montgomery Gentry Joins The Opry:

Immediately after joining the hallowed cast, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry launched into “Hillbilly Shoes,” their initial 1999 hit, with buzzing power chords and a blistering guitar riff, adding second-generation Southern rock to the wide musical net that represents the Opry. Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives bolstered the sound, which included six electric and acoustic guitars as well as a steel, the kind of power more associated with arena rockers such as Lynyrd Skynyrd than with Opry stalwarts such as Jim Ed Brown or Jeannie Seely. (GAC)

It’s hard to argue with the Opry’s decision to induct Eddie and Troy. The Opry is a brand that probably looks and sounds antiquated to many country fans under the age of 30, and it’s current challenge is to find talent which appeals to its aging audience while helping to build a bridge to a younger generation. While seeing MG take one of country music’s most hallowed stages as members of the venerable program would probably make a number of the late membership of the institution roll over in their graves, the duo is one of the few acts in the mainstream today who could not, under any circumstances, be mistaken for pop. At the very least, the Opry deserves credit for resisting the urge to simply induct the biggest stars over those who mesh, at least somewhat, with its legacy.

Montgomery Gentry is not the artist most deserving of Opry induction. But the Opry is a business–despite its revered status–and bringing the duo onboard as members is a prudent business decision. From an artistic standpoint, there are far worse choices.

• Craig Morgan rags on Blake Shelton in a new video that shows him reading a poem he wrote in response to a poem Shelton wrote earlier this year poking fun at his hair. In one line of the poem Morgan reads, “Don’t be discouraged when your girlfriend sells more records than you. I mean seriously, without her what would you do?” Burn. (via NashvilleGab)
• Watch the video premier for Phil Vassar’s “Bobbi With An I.”
• The Austin Chronicle’s Doug Freeman says Steve Earle dedicated the first half of his nearly two-hour show at the Paramount last Friday to Townes Van Zandt tunes.
• The alternative/indie rock band Lemonheads did a respectable job covering Townes Van Zandt’s “Waitin’ Around to Die.”
• After 10 weeks, Jason Aldean reached gold status with his album Wide Open, a mark he didn’t reach until 12 weeks with his first two albums.
• Cricket from Froggy 97! on newer artists:
  

  Who will become a household name? Who is destined for the Country Music Hall of Fame? Which newcomers will collect honors and awards galore?

  If there’s any justice in the music biz, Jason Aldean will be one of them.

• Chet Flippo thanked Brad Paisley in his latest Nashville Skyline column for ten years of music and for doing his part “to keep the music on track, to keep it country, to keep it from veering off into impossible ventures into bombastic pop country and to keep it from turning into a cartoon version of itself.”
• Gloriana has a new video for “The Way It Goes,” which was shot on the road while on tour with Taylor Swift.
• Sean L. Maloney knew Those Darlins before they reached their current level of obscurity and for that he deserves extra hip points.
• Ken Tucker shared stories of his two brushes with Garth Brooks.
• Bob Lefsetz praised Buddy Miller’s performance at The Greek Theater on Wednesday night where he played with Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin and Patty Griffin as part of their Three Girls and Their Buddy tour. Mikael Wood reviewed the same show for The Los Angeles Times.
• Farce the Music has a new song, “All White,” a parody of Darius Rucker’s “Alright.”
• In a review of Beautiful Day, The Austin Chronicle’s Margaret Moser says Charlie Robison is challenging brother Bruce in the Texas songwriters sweepstakes.
• Craig Shelburne shared a playlist of recent songs from independent artists.
• Aaron Watson is scheduled to record a live album and DVD tomorrow in Waco. The project, titled Deep In The Heart Of Texas: Aaron Watson Live, will be released September 15.
• Country California is celebrating its first anniversary with a mega giveaway — seven albums from Charlie Robison, Chuck Mead, Holly Williams and more will go to seven different winners.

Today we’re going to be talking about the Boss. Nope, not that dude in a tie promoting synergy, but Bruce Springsteen, who, as you may know, can turn a pretty phrase or two. Everyone from Faith Hill to Hank Williams III has covered this Jersey boy, but here are five artists and songs of special note.

• 5. “Sad Eyes” – Trisha Yearwood
  Georgia’s own covered this lovely ballad (with a little help from Jackson Browne) on her 2000 album Real Live Woman. You know, being able to work a Springsteen song like this is pretty much the epitome of real live womanhood. Well played, Yearwood.
• 4. “Tougher Than the Rest” – Chris LeDoux
  LeDoux knows tough, so we’ll follow his lead here as he covers this cut from Springsteen’s Tunnel of Love. Besides, we’d rather have him (or Travis Tritt, who also recorded a version) than the “handsome Dan” or “sweet-talkin’ Romeo” mentioned in the lyric.
• 3. “Racing in the Streets” – Emmylou Harris
  Emmylou’s covered her fair share of Springsteen (“Tougher Than the Rest”, “Mansion on the Hill”), but her live version of “Racing in the Streets” might be her best Bruce effort to date.
• 2. “Atlantic City” – Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward
  This one comes from 2008’s little known gem The Lonesome Dirge. Perhaps I’m biased because this is one of my favorite songs, but as far as lyrics go, it’s hard to top the simultaneous hope and crushing inevitability of “Everything dies, baby, that’s a fact/But maybe everything that dies someday comes back/Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty/And meet tonight in Atlantic City.”
• 1. “Highway Patrolman” – Johnny Cash
  I first fell in love with this tale of two brothers, one a cop, the other a murderer, on Bruce’s Nebraska. But after hearing Johnny Cash sing it with a voice akin to God’s own, no other version can compare. “Highway Patrolman” also raises that age old question: How far would you go for blood?

Emerging four-piece Gloriana is riding high on the success of its debut single, “Wild At Heart.” Currently at #17 on Billboard–and still climbing–the song has quickly propelled the group into the country music spotlight. And with an August 4th album (produced by Rob Thomas cohort and Emblem label-head Matt Serletic) just around the corner, all signs point to a glorious future for the band.

Tom Gossin and Rachel Reinert took some time away from Taylor Swift’s Fearless tour to answer some questions for The 9513.

JIM MALEC: How was your CMT Awards Experience?

TOM GOSSIN: It was fun, man. We’ve never played an awards show before. Being from Nashville it was really, really cool. Definitely a bit surreal being there in person when we’ve only ever seen it on TV. We had a great time.

JM: I have to ask you about your name. Why did you call yourself after a 20th century British opera?

RACHEL REINERT: We were messing around with the word “glory” for a long a time, because we thought it was a good representation of this four-part harmony we do. While we were recording our album, we were taking a break and eating some Chinese food and Michael just threw out “Gloriana.” We all just really liked the way it sounded. We just thought it was a really cool name.

It has nothing to do with the British opera. We even found out that it was actually the first nickname of the first Queen Elizabeth. But it really has nothing to do with that. We didn’t take it from that or anything. It just kinda came out of nowhere and it just stuck. Continue Reading…

• Listen to Sara Evans‘ new single “Feels Just Like a Love Song.” ( MySpace | iLike )
• Saguaro Road Records is giving away a free download of Tanya Tucker’s “Love’s Gonna Live Here” on Amazon. The track is from her upcoming album My Turn, which can be streamed in its entirety on CMT before its release next week.
• Miranda Lambert picked up the saxophone to add to her live show.
• Country California’s C.M. Wilcox on regionalism:
  

  I’m not as crazy about the insular, myopic attitudes you sometimes find within these scenes. Like rabid Red Dirt fans loudly proclaiming the superiority of everything Texas to everything anywhere else (especially everything Nashville). Or some Nashville industry type who hangs out with bassists from justly forgotten ’90s bands proclaiming that Texas music is “quite un-polished (poorly recorded both vocally and musically)” compared to “the polished sound of good vocals and fine musicianship that Nashville is known for.”

• Watch the new video for Justin Townes Earle’s “Midnight at the Movies,” the title track to his most recent album.
• How do the chances of a Gretchen Wilson comeback compare to the possibility that Carrie Underwood’s fan club is actually a cult? Find out in Farce the Music’s relative size chart.
• The Austin Chronicle’s Jim Caligiuri recapped Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson’s second set at Cactus Cafe on Monday evening.
• Musicouch ranked classic country artists based on the amount of money their autographs fetched at auction. Patsy Cline took the top spot, followed by Hank Williams, Jim Reeves and Jimmie Rodgers. (via The Boot)
• In an interview with Deborah Evans Price, Brad Paisley says his new album, American Saturday Night, reflects where he’s at in his life right now and he gives some insight behind a couple of the songs.
• Jeff Dykhuis continued his coverage of Country Fever — including acts like Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Reckless Kelly and the Randy Rogers Band — on his blog, American Music Photography.
• Texas Music Matters posted a live recording of Sarah Jarosz’s “Song Up In Her Head.”
• After a 25 year hiatus from recording Larry Jon Wilson has a new self-titled album out that compares favorably, according to the press release, to Johnny Cash’s American Recordings and Kris Kristofferson’s This Old Road. Houston Press’ Doug Wallen described the project in a recent article:
  

  These dozen tracks let Wilson’s persuasive vocals and acoustic guitar fill the room, though the Black Swans’ Noel Sayre added a few peals of violin later. The sessions’ one-take nature makes the impressive medleys “Loser Trilogy” and “Whores Trilogy” all the more so, and on the soul-influenced “Throw My Hands Up,” Wilson sings, “Music City’s tryin’ to break me, man / It never knew how to take me.”

• Tim Krekel, the songwriter behind Crystal Gayle’s No. 1 “Turning Away” and a co-writer, with Matraca Berg, on Patty Loveless‘ “You Can Feel Bad” and Martina McBride’s “Come Around,” died yesterday from cancer. He was 58.
• The Cherryholmes updated their iLike page with a couple of live tracks from their concert at The Rutledge during last year’s IBMA week. Both tracks, “Sumatra” and “Don’t Believe,” are free. (via The Bluegrass Blog)
• Levon Helm’s new album, Electric Farmer, can be streamed in full at EW.com. It will be released next Tuesday. (via No Depression)
• In an interview with Melissa Block for All Things Considered, Todd Snider says his favorite kind of songs are sad, but funny, too, by guys like John Prine, Shel Silverstein and Billy Joe Shaver. He also talks about being bipolar and putting his desire to be a good husband above being a good songwriter.
• Holly Williams credits a near-fatal car accident for changing her outlook on life and her work ethic.
• Chris Mosser from The Roadhouse show on KVET posted video of Paul Eason performing “The Mountains of Nuevo Leon” live. Browse his channel for some more great stuff, like Ryan Bingham’s acoustic performance of “Dylan’s Hard Rain.”
• Joe Pug released a free, five-song EP today titled In The Meantime. It consists of unreleased songs recorded during the sessions for his original EP, Nation of Heat.